This information is designed for parents-to-be. In a few short months, you and your family will experience the wonderful moment of your baby's birth. But before that moment, there is a great deal of learning and planning to do.

Having a healthy baby begins long before your actual delivery date. Choosing a doctor (MD) or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is an important aspect of prenatal care. The provider you choose should be one that you trust and can talk with openly. Your MD/CNM can have a big impact on your prenatal care, if you are comfortable with him/her, you are more likely to follow his/her advice and have confidence in his/her judgment of your prenatal care.

Use our Physician Directory to locate a number of exceptional physicians to care for you during your pregnancy.

There are many visits during an uncomplicated pregnancy. The most important thing is to keep your appointments, this helps to promote a healthier pregnancy and prevent potential problems. During your prenatal care visits, your blood pressure, urine, weight, and baby's heart beat will be evaluated. Each of these aspects tells your MD/CNM a lot about your overall health and well-being as it relates to your pregnancy. At certain points in your pregnancy blood work is needed to help further evaluate your pregnancy.

One of the items most women want to know is when their baby will be born. Your MD/CNM will figure out the "due date" of your baby based on the date of your last menstrual period. This is only an estimate. Women with irregular periods have a more difficult time in determining a due date. You can also estimate your due date with our Due Date Calculator.

It is a good idea to bring your partner along to your prenatal care visits. Your partner is as much a part of this pregnancy as you are. Although your partner cannot carry the pregnancy and may not go through the physical changes, your partner can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and pregnancy. Your partner can help you by eating nutritious meals and snacks, getting basic exercise with you, and making decisions that affect your pregnancy. The woman may be the sole person to experience the physical changes of pregnancy, but the emotional changes affect and involve both of you.

It is also important to participate in Childbirth Education Classes. These classes prepare you for the birth of your baby and allow you to explore all of the options that are available in labor and delivery. Lourdes has a highly qualified staff of educators who will guide you through this exciting time and answer any questions you may have.